Are you a compulsive shopper?

These days, shopping is as much a form of entertainment as going to the
movies or playing video games. Between mall culture and convenient
credit, it's easy to spend your time spending money.

Shopping shifts into high gear around the holidays. Some people view
shopping as a sport, some as a chore. For others, the season is just
another occasion to wrestle with compulsive buying, especially if
they're stressed or depressed.

For these folks, the mere thought of visiting a store any time of year
can ease anxiety. The obsessive, uncontrollable act of shopping, even
without buying, offers them fleeting excitement. Once home, compulsive
shoppers who do buy often feel remorse, with maxed-out credit cards.

Approximately six percent of the American population are compulsive
buyers. Compulsive shopping is a growing problem in our society because
of easy access to credit, internet shopping, and television shopping
networks. It is also associated with another disorder, such as anxiety
or depression.

Who's affected?

Compulsive buyers include men and women of any ethnic, social or
economic group and age, with growing prevalence among teens and young
adults. The majority of compulsive shoppers are women. Often shopping
becomes an issue because it begins to interfere with the ability to
function in life. Overspenders describe a preoccupation with thinking
about shopping with tension building until they have a shopping
excursion, which relieves the tension.

Many compulsive buyers shop not necessarily for things they want or
need, but to fulfill much deeper emotional needs. Whether a symptom of a
larger problem or a disorder in itself, what underlies compulsive buying
is often an internal void that the person is trying to fill.

The price tag

When they shop, compulsive shoppers get smiles from sales clerks and
feel successful for spending. But those feelings don't last. Compulsive
buyers with high debt can face financial, relationship and legal
problems. This makes them feel so bad they go shopping again - and the
cycle continues.

But it is a cycle that can end. First, the person has to recognize that
he or she has a problem and wants to stop. Then, positive action is
necessary to modify the behavior and get to the root of the problem.

There are always other, more constructive ways to meet the needs that
motivate you, in the first place, to walk into that store. Compulsive
buyers have to take stock of themselves and ask, 'What am I really
shopping for?'"

Are you a compulsive buyer?

These are signs of compulsive shopping:

You think more than you want to about shopping.

You prefer to shop alone to avoid embarrassment or
distraction.

You shop for longer time periods than you intended.

You buy more than you planned.

You buy things you don't need or want.

You hide what you buy, to avoid conflicts at home.

Stopping the shopping

Here are ideas on how to end compulsive buying:

Admit that you have a problem.

Seek professional therapy.

Medication for depression and anxiety has been helpful
for some people.

Join Shopaholics Anonymous or another self-help group.

Destroy your credit cards or leave them home.

Stay away from stores that tempt you.

Shop with a friend who'll limit impulsive buying.

Decide what you want to buy before you go.

Avoid shopping after upsetting events or while you feel
emotions that fuel compulsive shopping.

Find more constructive ways to deal with negative emotions. Take
an art class, for instance, or go for a walk.